In a stunning upset at the WTA Berlin Open, Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu defeated American star Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 in the women’s singles round of 16 on Thursday.
Wang, 21, avenged her loss to Gauff from their only previous meeting at the same tournament last year, where she fell 6-0, 6-4. This victory marks a significant milestone in her career and propels her into the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The match began with Wang missing an early break opportunity in Gauff’s first service game. However, after trailing 3-2 in the first set, Wang mounted an impressive comeback, claiming four consecutive games to secure the set.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Gauff broke Wang to take a 3-1 lead, but Wang responded with determination, winning five straight games to close out the match.
“It was a tough match. I am happy that I hung in there during all these tough moments,” Wang said after her victory. “Paula Badosa is playing great tennis now. For me, I am just really happy to get a chance to play another match here in front of you guys, especially lots of Chinese fans.”
Wang will face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the last eight, aiming to continue her impressive run at the tournament.
